The Unitarian Universalist Association (the UUA) is the central organization for the Unitarian Universalist (UU) religious movement in the United States. The UUA’s 1000+ member congregations are committed to Seven Principles that include the worth of each person, the need for justice and compassion, and the right to choose one’s own beliefs. Our congregations and faith communities promote these principles through regular worship, learning and personal growth, shared connection and care, social justice action and service, celebration of life’s transitions, and much more.
Our faith tradition is diverse and inclusive. We grew from the union of two radical Christian groups: the Universalists, who organized in 1793, and the Unitarians, who organized in 1825. They joined to become the UUA in 1961. Both groups trace their roots in North America to the early Massachusetts settlers and the Framers of the Constitution. Across the globe, our legacy reaches back centuries to liberal religious pioneers in England, Poland, and Transylvania. Today, Unitarian Universalists include people of many beliefs who share UU values.
Each UU congregation is democratic—congregational leaders set their own priorities and choose their own ministers and staff. Congregations vote for the leaders of the UUA, who oversee the central staff and resources. The UUA supports congregations in their work by training ministers, publishing books and the UU World magazine, providing religious education curricula, offering shared services, coordinating social justice activities, and more.
Leadership
The primary purpose of the Association is to serve the needs of its member congregations, organize new congregations, extend and strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions and implement its principles.
—UUA Bylaws
The UUA is led by the elected President, Moderator and Board of Trustees. These leaders are elected every few years by congregational delegates at the annual General Assembly gathering. The President is the chief executive of the UUA and its public spokesperson. The Moderator chairs the business meetings of the General Assembly and meetings of the Board of Trustees. Specialized boards, committees and advisors also help lead the UUA.
New congregations and groups can join the UUA by following the path to membership. Every congregation is also part of the UUA’s districts and regions. Groups seeking relationship with the UUA an also become covenanting communities or related organizations.
You can read more about the staff and offices of the UUA.
Contact Information
If you know which office or staff person you are trying to reach, please see our staff directory or call (617) 742-2100. For answers to general questions about Unitarian Universalism and the UUA, email info@uua.org or call (617) 948-6103.
The UUA’s headquarters and mailing address is 24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210-1409. Please include the name of the UUA office or staff person you are trying to reach.